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Chinese tourists shy away from Thailand amid scams and safety concerns PHOTO: Chinese tourists in Thailand at Grand Palace Once a favourite destination for Chinese tourists, Thailand is facing a tourism crisis due to social media rumours, and one particular blockbuster movie, that have created an image of danger and scams. Thailand relies heavily on tourism, especially from China, which used to contribute more than 10 million visitors annually before the Covid-19 pandemic. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307518-chinese-tourists-shy-away-from-thailand-amid-scams-and-safety-concerns/

Once a favourite destination for Chinese tourists, Thailand is facing a tourism crisis due to social media rumours, and one particular blockbuster movie, that have created an image of danger and scams. Thailand relies heavily on tourism, especially from China, which used to contribute more than 10 million visitors annually before the Covid-19 pandemic. Viral social media rumors have spread fear that tourists could be kidnapped and forced into scams across the border in Myanmar or Cambodia. While some basis in reality exists, with documented cases of Chinese nationals lured into online scams in Southeast Asia, there is no evidence of tourists being routinely abducted in Thailand. The blockbuster movie “No More Bets,” based on “real events,” has further fueled concerns. Despite its release last month, it has become the third-most-popular film in China this year, generating over US$521 million in revenue and intensifying discussions about the perceived risks of visiting Thailand. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: Chinese tourists in Thailand at Grand Palace Full story: Phuket GO 2023-09-25 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Raid on my house is result of internal conflicts : Deputy national police chief Surachate Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn believes that the raid on his house this morning (Monday) was motivated by conflicts inside the Royal Thai Police. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307493-cyber-police-raid-‘big-joke’s’-residence/?do=findComment&comment=18373999

Raid on my house is result of internal conflicts : Deputy national police chief Surachate Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn believes that the raid on his house this morning (Monday) was motivated by conflicts inside the Royal Thai Police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307543-raid-on-my-house-is-result-of-internal-conflicts-deputy-national-police-chief-surachate/

Foreign business leaders urge clarity and stability From left to right, Chairwoman of the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, Mook Pibuldham, CEO and President of LH Bank, Shih Jiing-fuh As the Srettha government begins implementing its stimulus packages, aimed at revitalising Thailand’s economy, members of the foreign business community here have reiterated their call for political stability and regulatory transparency, which they see as essential in attracting investment. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307516-foreign-business-leaders-urge-clarity-and-stability/

As the Srettha government begins implementing its stimulus packages, aimed at revitalising Thailand’s economy, members of the foreign business community here have reiterated their call for political stability and regulatory transparency, which they see as essential in attracting investment. The much-publicised “digital wallet” scheme has received their support, but that comes with advice for caution, especially as far as transparency is concerned. In an interview with Thai PBS World, Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag, Chairwoman of the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce, stressed that transparency in implementing the policy is paramount. Caption: From left to right, Chairwoman of the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, Mook Pibuldham, CEO and President of LH Bank, Shih Jiing-fuh Full story: Thai PBS 2023-09-25 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

PM welcomes first group of Chinese tourists arriving under visa free program Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and representatives of the Thai tourism sector and Ministry of Tourism and Sports went to Suvarnabhumi airport this morning (Monday) to welcome the first group of 341 Chinese tourists arriving in Thailand without a visa, under the Visa Exemption program which came into effect today and will last until February 29. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307515-pm-welcomes-first-group-of-chinese-tourists-arriving-under-visa-free-program/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and representatives of the Thai tourism sector and Ministry of Tourism and Sports went to Suvarnabhumi airport this morning (Monday) to welcome the first group of 341 Chinese tourists arriving in Thailand without a visa, under the Visa Exemption program which came into effect today and will last until February 29. Similar welcoming ceremonies for tourists from China and Kazakhstan were held at Don Mueang, Phuket and Chiang Mai airports. Besides the direct flight by Thai AirAsia X from Shanghai, which landed at Suvarnabhumi airport this morning, there are three flights scheduled to arrive today at Don Mueang airport from Kunming, Changsha and Nanning, two flights at Chiang Mai airport from Shanghai and Kunming, one flight at Phuket airport from Kazakhstan and three flights from Shanghai, Beijing and Hangzhou. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-09-25 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pannika Wanich: Political death sentence snuffs out Thailand’s anti-establishment heroine Last week’s Supreme Court ruling banning former MP Pannika Wanich from elections and political office for life has been criticized as political “capital punishment” by many observers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307514-pannika-wanich-political-death-sentence-snuffs-out-thailand’s-anti-establishment-heroine/

Last week’s Supreme Court ruling banning former MP Pannika Wanich from elections and political office for life has been criticized as political “capital punishment” by many observers. Ending her political life was too harsh a penalty for the young politician to pay, they said. Even Pannika’s political enemy, Pareena Kraikupt, showed sympathy, saying that she disagreed with the lifetime ban. “If politicians commit wrongdoing, legal action is taken against them under criminal or civil law. They get fined or jailed. But they should not be deprived of their rights in the name of ethics,” Pareena said. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-09-25 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Piyabutr promises to cease attacks on Move Forward The Progressive Movement’s core leader Piyabutr Saengkanokkul The Progressive Movement’s core leader Piyabutr Saengkanokkul has vowed to stop criticising the Move Forward party, after its supporters bombarded him with condemnation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307312-piyabutr-promises-to-cease-attacks-on-move-forward/

The Progressive Movement’s core leader Piyabutr Saengkanokkul has vowed to stop criticising the Move Forward party, after its supporters bombarded him with condemnation. In his live session on Facebook, Piyabutr said that, as the party’s fan club were not ready to listen to his straightforward comments, he will no longer talk about the party. Piyabutr was referring to his latest critical comments about the party on Thursday, when he called for its leaders to react after Pannika Wanich, also a core leader of the movement, was banned from election or appointment to political office for life by the Supreme Court. Caption: The Progressive Movement’s core leader Piyabutr Saengkanokkul Full story: Thai PBS 2023-09-22 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phumtham welcomes convicted former PM Thaksin as PM’s chief advisor Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has welcomed Srettha Thavisin’s idea of having convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra act as an advisor, once he completes serving time in prison. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307311-phumtham-welcomes-convicted-former-pm-thaksin-as-pm’s-chief-advisor/

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has welcomed Srettha Thavisin’s idea of having convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra act as an advisor, once he completes serving time in prison. “Thaksin could be assigned as the prime minister’s chief advisor. My understanding is that Srettha wishes to learn from Thaksin’s experience and capabilities,” said Phumtham, who is also commerce minister, adding that he will look into the legality of such a move. “I believe he (Thaksin) has value to add to the government and to the people of Thailand,” Srettha said during a recent interview with Bloomberg Television in New York. He also mentioned Thaksin’s popularity. “He was, and probably still is the most popular prime minister in the history of Thai politics,” Srettha claimed. “To give advice and opinions is something that Thaksin could do, as he ran the country as premier for six years,” said Phumtham said, adding Thaksin, meanwhile, would like to be with his family and anything he could do for the country, he would certainly do. Source: Thai PBS 2023-09-22 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

DNA from 2 dead children are parental match to Songsak and ex-partner Analysis of DNA from two children, whose remains were dumped on wasteland in Bang Sue district in 2013 and 2014 respectively, revealed a parental match to murder suspect Songsak and his former partner Jesada, according to Pol Maj-Gen Noppasilp Poonsawat, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, who is overseeing the investigation into multiple child murders. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307096-heartbreaking-horror-sadistic-thai-father-arrested-for-murdering-2-year-old-daughter/?do=findComment&comment=18367403

DNA from 2 dead children are parental match to Songsak and ex-partner Analysis of DNA from two children, whose remains were dumped on wasteland in Bang Sue district in 2013 and 2014 respectively, revealed a parental match to murder suspect Songsak and his former partner Jesada, according to Pol Maj-Gen Noppasilp Poonsawat, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, who is overseeing the investigation into multiple child murders. One of the two victims died from a fractured skull and brain haemorrhage and the other was found to have died from suffocation, he said, adding that the results of DNA analysis of two bone fragments, found on vacant land in Phahonyothin Soi 56 this week, is not yet known. Meanwhile, Songsak and Jesada have been seeking public donations since July to raise funds to take care of a 4-year-old girl born to Sunan, the current partner of Songsak, who is blind, and police are investigating whether the child’s blindness was inflicted by the murder suspect. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-09-22 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ex-culture minister offers to surrender to face corruption charges Waterfront Condominium Fugitive former culture minister Itthiphol Kunplome has offered to surrender to face corruption charges, in connection with the illegal issuance of a permit for the construction of a condominium in Pattaya. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307304-ex-culture-minister-offers-to-surrender-to-face-corruption-charges/

Fugitive former culture minister Itthiphol Kunplome has offered to surrender to face corruption charges, in connection with the illegal issuance of a permit for the construction of a condominium in Pattaya. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, secretary-general of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), told the media today (Friday) that Itthiphol had offered to surrender, but declined to elaborate. He did say that the former culture minister could, however, surrender to any governmental agency, because the warrant for his arrested was issued by a court, adding that he will be arrested on sight anyway. Caption: Waterfront Condominium Full story: Thai PBS 2023-09-22 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Methamphetamine-filled makeup case shocks salon in northeast Thailand Photo: KhaoSod An intriguing incident took place yesterday in a beauty salon located in Thammasat Alley, Udon Thani province when an unknown woman handed over a powder case to a 52 year old woman. Astonishingly, the powder case turned out to be stuffed with 30 methamphetamine pills. Stunned by the discovery, the receiver of the powder case, Patsakorn, immediately reported it to the police. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307303-methamphetamine-filled-makeup-case-shocks-salon-in-northeast-thailand/

An intriguing incident took place yesterday in a beauty salon located in Thammasat Alley, Udon Thani province when an unknown woman handed over a powder case to a 52 year old woman. Astonishingly, the powder case turned out to be stuffed with 30 methamphetamine pills. Stunned by the discovery, the receiver of the powder case, Patsakorn, immediately reported it to the police. Patsakorn explained that an unfamiliar woman rode up to his wife’s beauty salon and handed over the powder case, claiming it was a ‘good item’ gifted by a boss. After she quickly left, his wife, assuming it was just a powder case, opened it to find the drugs and quickly alerted Patsakorn. The couple, having never encountered such a mysterious incident, feared being targeted either for money or drugs, and rushed to report it to the police. The beauty salon’s owner, 43 years old Ja Ae, pointed out the exact spot where the unknown woman had left the drug-stuffed powder case. She was cleaning her salon in the morning when a 50 year old woman parked her scooter outside and walked in. Thinking she was a regular customer, Ja Ae asked her what services she wanted. The woman silently handed over the powder case, claiming her boss had given it to Ja Ae to try. After taking the case, Ja Ae asked the woman the name of her boss, to which the woman replied, “Just take it” and swiftly left on her scooter. Ja Ae admitted she was puzzled. By Samantha Rose Caption: Photo: KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2023-09-22 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok’s stormy wake-up call: Governor urges preparedness as capital weathers surprises Photo: KhaoSod Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt urged the city to be on high alert after storms hit the capital this week resulting in a number of unexpected incidents such as tree collapses, power outages, and flooding. This includes mobilising vehicles from various districts to facilitate the transportation of citizens in risk-prone areas. The command centre reported heavy rainfall yesterday in the Bang Na area. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307301-bangkok’s-stormy-wake-up-call-governor-urges-preparedness-as-capital-weathers-surprises/

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt urged the city to be on high alert after storms hit the capital this week resulting in a number of unexpected incidents such as tree collapses, power outages, and flooding. This includes mobilising vehicles from various districts to facilitate the transportation of citizens in risk-prone areas. The command centre reported heavy rainfall yesterday in the Bang Na area. The Bang Na area has Bang O and Bang Na canals for water drainage, which are operated by a major pump station capable of pumping 20 cubic metres of water per second. However, a fallen tree damaged a transformer at the pump station, causing a power outage and preventing the drainage of water. The Bangkok Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) was promptly notified to expedite repair works, and power was restored around 9pm. The main issue was the unforeseen power outage, which has now been resolved. Future focus will be on the maintenance of trees near transformers and the installation of additional diesel pumps. Another problem encountered was the difficulty faced by citizens commuting home due to the flooding. The long waiting time for motorcycle taxis led to a large number of people waiting for transportation. As a result, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had to mobilise vehicles from different districts to facilitate smoother transit. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Photo: KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2023-09-22 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Tragic collision in Thailand’s west claims life in high-speed horror Photo: KhaoSod A fatal collision between a saloon car and a pickup truck occurred on the roads of Kanchanaburi province, western Thailand. The high-speed crash resulted in the death of a man who was thrown from the pickup truck and subsequently crushed. The incident was reported to Tha Mueang Police Station at 3.30am today. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307300-tragic-collision-in-thailand’s-west-claims-life-in-high-speed-horror/

A fatal collision between a saloon car and a pickup truck occurred on the roads of Kanchanaburi province, western Thailand. The high-speed crash resulted in the death of a man who was thrown from the pickup truck and subsequently crushed. The incident was reported to Tha Mueang Police Station at 3.30am today. Investigations at the fatal collision scene revealed a saloon car, an MG with registration number 2KH8395 from Bangkok, had collided head-on with a barrier in the middle of the road. Underneath the wreckage, the body of 44 year old man, named Kitti, was discovered. He had been crushed against the barrier and trapped under the car. It took officials, including those from the Khun Rattanawut Foundation and on-duty doctors, approximately 20 minutes to extract the body from the wreckage. About 50 metres away, a Toyota pickup truck, registered in Suphan Buri with the number PH4931, was also found. The front of the vehicle had collided with the barrier, while the rear displayed signs of a high-impact collision. The front bumper of the saloon car was discovered underneath the pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck, 47 years old Thunpisit, revealed that he, the deceased, and another friend had been out catching crabs in the area of Dan Makham Tia since dusk. After achieving their target amount, they were heading home to Don Salaep in Huai Krachao, Kanchanaburi. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Photo: KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2023-09-22 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai-US relations: Strengthening trade ties with Estonian E-Government expertise Photo: Government House The Prime Minister of Thailand announced that he has plans to bolster trade relations with the United States. This comes as the two nations observe their 190th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307299-thai-us-relations-strengthening-trade-ties-with-estonian-e-government-expertise/